Richard David Wirtz went home to be with his Savior on Sunday morning, September 24, 2017 in Mesa, AZ. He was born on June 11, 1942, in Anaconda, Montana, the son of Frederick and Tillie Wirtz. Rich was the third of seven children. Rich’s father passed away when he was 8 years old. Shortly after this tragedy, the family relocated to Ballard, Washington. During this time, Rich went to catholic school and was an altar boy for several years. Around the age of 15, Rich moved out of his Mother’s house and began providing for himself. During his early twenties, Rich joined the Merchant Marines where he sailed all through Asia, Panama, and Alaska. He was a Merchant Seaman for many years, including during the Vietnam War.
Rich met and married his wife, Vicki, in Seattle, Washington. Together they raised their two sons and their niece and nephew, whom they loved like their own children. Rich and Vicki ran an adult care home for Alzheimer’s patients. When Rich was a young father, he left his Catholic religion behind and accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. During a sermon on a Sunday morning, Rich heard for the first time about believer’s baptism. He stood straight up, hailed out to the preacher and asked if he could do that right now. Without hesitation, the preacher told him to come forward and he was baptized. Rich loved his family, hiking and camping with his boys, dancing with his wife and granddaughters, his dogs and refinishing furniture. Rich also enjoyed boxing and running 5 miles a day for many years.
Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki, his parents and step-father, Clyde Boag, and a brother, Bob Wirtz. Surviving are his sons – Ricky Wirtz (wife Kathy, children Alex and Sam) and Andy Wirtz (wife Traci, children Kallista, Regan, Marissa, and Skylar), his nephew/son Fred Wirtz (wife Briana and children Grant, Isaac, and Jovee) and niece/daughter Amy Wirtz, His sisters Alice, Patty, and Judy, brother, Craig, and several other nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 28, from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 E. Apache Trail, Mesa, AZ. A celebration of Rich’s life will be held on Friday, September 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the Canyon Springs Baptis t Church, 178 S. Mountain View Road, Apache Junction, AZ. There will be a meal to follow.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Canyon Springs Baptist Church Building Fund.
Richeck was kind to me and I sat next to him most Sundays at church. He is with God in heaven now. He will be missed by all who new him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
There is only one Baptism the Bible say’s, he was born again the Bible way, of water and the Spirit as a baby which washed away original sin John 3:5. Jesus said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Rich was born again of water and the Spirit and became a child of God as a baby. This is what the Bible say’s. He parted his Catholic faith from circumstances. Rich was always a believer, he had a personal encounter with Jesus when he was 15 years old, He had the Holy Spirit and made his confirmation as a believer when he was 12. He was a believer. I gave Vicki her first blue Bible; Open door happened to be up the street and they wanted to go to church together. I believe he rest’s in the peace of God and I love him and will always miss him. Rich did not know his faith, many circumstances on life’s journey. There were 6 in the family, Bob, Alice, Rich, Patty, Judy and Craig. We lived in Seattle, (Ballard was a part of Seattle. I have many wonderful memories of my brother Rich, we were very close. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for Andy and Rick and their families during their loss of their beloved.
Uncle Richie left a mark on our family. Both he and Aunt Vicki made an impression in our lives. He always made me laugh and Aunt Vicky always make me want to do more. I am so grateful that Uncle Richie knows Jesus and I am so happy to know he will be reunited with his love, Aunt Vicky, in heaven. Our sincere condolences go out to the whole Wirtz family. Our prayers are with you,
Sincerely, Rob and Barb Stannik
We were so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. Glad we were able to see him earlier this year.
Our heart pray for grace and comfort for the family. He was a great dad, granddad and all around friend.
Al & Barb Hughes
Port Orchard WA
Condolences to all the family from the Dave Steelman Jr family